Question about electricity

[JohnCU]

In my Physics book, it says birds don't get electrocuted because when they sit on the wire, you can imagine it as adding a resistor in parallel and by doing a current divide, you can see that most of the current stays in the wire. But, then I read that they don't get electrocuted because there is no voltage difference (unless they touch 2 wires at the same time that are at different potentials).

I ask this because I saw an electric fence today and wondered why it shocked you, while you could grab a powerline and hang from it and not get hurt? Is it because you are grounded when you touch the electric fence?

 

[ttown]

yes

 

[BigLouis]

Originally posted by: JohnCU


I ask this because I saw an electric fence today and wondered why it shocked you, while you could grab a powerline and hang from it and not get hurt? Is it because you are grounded when you touch the electric fence?

You're grouned in the former not the latter.

 

[DrPizza]

Well, actually there would be a voltage difference between the legs of the bird - because the wire doesn't have zero resistance. However, the voltage is all but negligible.

And, yes, you're grounded when you touch the electric fence. I made the mistake once of tapping an electric fence with the back of my knuckles - I thought it was dead. Then, while holding the wire up so my wife could go under, the big metal gate that we were passing through started to swing shut... I stopped it with my other hand. ZAPPPPP!!!! "%(#*&$#!!!"

 

[Rapidskies]

You can actually jump in the air and touch an electric fence without getting shocked (we tried this as kids growing up). Just remember to let go before your feet hit the ground.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Whade
You can actually jump in the air and touch an electric fence without getting shocked (we tried this as kids growing up). Just remember to let go before your feet hit the ground.

and don't pee on it.

 

[Eli]

What about your rubber shoes, though? You aren't directly grounded.......

 

[mobobuff]

A bird sitting on a wire isn't completing a circuit. Standing on the ground and touching an electric fence, you are completing a circuit.

Simple as that.

 

[DivideBYZero]

someone explain the rubber shoe thing

 

[olds]

Just remember this. Electricity is like a Moderator. It always takes the path of least resistance.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
someone explain the rubber shoe thing

La résistance

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
someone explain the rubber shoe thing

Shoes generally have a half inch to two thirds of an inch of rubber tread at the bottom. The current can still ground itself somewhat.

 

[Dabappa]

Aren't most electric fences used to keep animals in a field? They do not generally wear rubber soled shoes.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: Whade
You can actually jump in the air and touch an electric fence without getting shocked (we tried this as kids growing up). Just remember to let go before your feet hit the ground.

and don't pee on it.

"Don't wiz on the electric fence!"

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: Dabappa
Aren't most electric fences used to keep animals in a field? They do not generally wear rubber soled shoes.

Most of those animals are covered in dense fur.

Sheep are usually insulated pretty good.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: Iron Woode

Originally posted by: Dabappa
Aren't most electric fences used to keep animals in a field? They do not generally wear rubber soled shoes.

Most of those animals are covered in dense fur.

Sheep are usually insulated pretty good.

their faces aren't.

 

[db]

Originally posted by: jagec


and don't pee on it.

...while standing in the snow out in the woods.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: Iron Woode

Originally posted by: Dabappa
Aren't most electric fences used to keep animals in a field? They do not generally wear rubber soled shoes.

Most of those animals are covered in dense fur.

Sheep are usually insulated pretty good.

their faces aren't.

true, but did you ever notice that sheep have a special collar on when they are in a field with electric fencing?

 

[Shame]

Peeing on an electric fence has absolutely no negative consequences. Old wives tale, a big lie, and a theory made up by electric fence manufacturers...

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: Shame
Peeing on an electric fence has absolutely no negative consequences. Old wives tale, a big lie, and a theory made up by electric fence manufacturers...

<---- Runs out to look for electric fence.

 

[sharkeeper]

Peeing on an electric fence has absolutely no negative consequences. Old wives tale, a big lie, and a theory made up by electric fence manufacturers...

Well I'm not in the fence charger biz and can tell you I did this foolish stunt many years ago and my dick hurt for a while. That's one thing I never intend to repeat.

Cheers!